8 Must-Try Fall Cocktails

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s something undeniably cozy and comforting about the fall season. With the arrival of autumn, we at Spec’s are excited to share our passion for crafting and sipping on delightful fall cocktails. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to eight must-try fall cocktails that are not only a treat for the taste buds but also an excellent way to embrace the spirit of fall and create memorable moments with friends and family.

Pumpkin Spice Martini

A classic fall favorite that captures the essence of the season, the Pumpkin Spice Martini is a crowd-pleaser. To make this cocktail, we recommend using a quality pumpkin liqueur, vodka, and a dash of nutmeg. It’s like sipping on a slice of pumpkin pie, but with an elegant twist. Don’t forget to rim your glass with crushed graham crackers for that extra touch of fall magic.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz pumpkin liqueur
• ½ oz coffee liqueur
• ½ oz half-and-half
• ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice (plus extra for garnish)
• Ice
• Cinnamon stick or a crushed graham cracker rim (optional)

Instructions:

1. Chill the Martini Glass: Start by chilling your martini glass. You can do this by placing it in the freezer for about 10 minutes or filling it with ice and water while you prepare the cocktail. If you’d like to rim the glass with cinnamon sugar, prepare a shallow plate with a thin layer of water and another plate with cinnamon sugar. Gently dip the rim of the glass in water and then in the cinnamon sugar to coat it.
2. Prepare the Cocktail Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. This will help chill and properly mix the ingredients.
3. Add the Ingredients
4. Shake It Up: Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This will mix the ingredients thoroughly and chill the cocktail.
5. Strain and Serve: Remove the chilled martini glass from the freezer (or empty it of ice and water). Strain the shaken cocktail into the martini glass.
6. Garnish: You can sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin pie spice on top of the martini for an extra burst of flavor. You can also add a cinnamon stick as a garnish.
7. Serve: Serve your Pumpkin Spice Martini immediately. Enjoy!

Apple Cider Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned, a timeless cocktail, gets an autumnal twist with the addition of apple cider. Start with a high-quality bourbon or rye whiskey, mix it with fresh apple cider, and add a hint of cinnamon and orange zest for a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and bitter notes. This cocktail is sure to warm your heart on a cool fall evening.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh apple cider
• 1 sugar cube (or ½ oz simple syrup)
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)
• Orange peel twist (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Glass: Start by taking a rocks glass (also known as an Old Fashioned glass) and adding the sugar cube. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail or want to save some time, you can use ½ oz of simple syrup instead of the sugar cube.
2. Muddle: Add the bitters to the glass. Using a muddler, gently muddle the sugar cube and bitters together. The sugar should begin to dissolve.
3. Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice. You can use one large ice cube or several smaller ones.
4. Pour Bourbon: Pour 2 oz of bourbon over the ice and stir well to combine with the muddled sugar and bitters.
5. Add Apple Cider: Pour 1 oz of fresh apple cider over the bourbon and ice. Stir gently to mix the flavors.
6. Garnish: If you like, garnish your Apple Cider Old Fashioned with an apple slice, a cinnamon stick, and an optional twist of orange peel. These garnishes not only add flavor but also make the cocktail visually appealing.
7. Serve: Sip and savor the warm and inviting flavors of fall!

Maple Bourbon Sour

Maple syrup is one of the fall’s most beloved ingredients, and it pairs perfectly with the smooth, caramel notes of bourbon. The Maple Bourbon Sour is a delightful blend of bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and maple syrup. It’s a harmonious combination of sweet and tart, making it a fantastic choice for a fall cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Ice
• Lemon twist or cherry for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. This will help chill the cocktail and mix the ingredients properly.
2. Add the Ingredients: To the shaker, add the following ingredients:
   • 2 oz bourbon
   • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
   • ½ oz pure maple syrup
3. Shake It Up: Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This will mix the ingredients thoroughly and chill the cocktail.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice. You can use a strainer to ensure no ice or pulp from the lemon juice gets into the glass.
5. Garnish: If you like, garnish your Maple Bourbon Sour with a lemon twist or a maraschino cherry. The garnish adds a touch of elegance and flavor to the cocktail.
6. Serve: Your Maple Bourbon Sour is now ready to enjoy. Sip and savor the delightful balance of sweet, sour, and bourbon flavors.

Cranberry Moscow Mule

With its vibrant red hue and refreshing zing, the Cranberry Moscow Mule is an excellent choice for autumn. Start with a quality vodka, add cranberry juice, ginger beer, and a squeeze of lime. This cocktail offers a delightful balance of tartness and spiciness, making it a fantastic sipper for those transitional fall days.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Ice
• Fresh cranberries and a lime wedge for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Copper Mug: The Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug, which not only looks great but also keeps the drink cold. If you don’t have a copper mug, any highball glass will work.
2. Add Ice: Fill your copper mug (or highball glass) with ice. The more ice, the colder and more refreshing your Cranberry Moscow Mule will be.
3. Add Vodka: Pour 2 oz of vodka over the ice.
4. Add Cranberry Juice: Add 4 oz of cranberry juice to the mug.
5. Squeeze Lime: Squeeze the juice of half a lime (approximately 1/2 oz) into the mug.
6. Stir: Use a cocktail stirrer or a long spoon to mix the ingredients well.
7. Top with Ginger Beer: Fill the rest of the mug with ginger beer. How much ginger beer you use may vary depending on the size of your glass, but generally, you want to fill it to the top. The ginger beer adds a lovely, spicy kick to the cocktail.
8. Garnish: If you like, garnish your Cranberry Moscow Mule with a lime wedge and a few fresh cranberries. These not only make the drink look festive but also add a pop of color and flavor.

Hot Buttered Rum

As the temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to cozy up with a Hot Buttered Rum. This warming cocktail features dark rum, hot water, butter, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s like a liquid hug for your soul, perfect for enjoying by the fire on a chilly fall night.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 2 to 3 tablespoons of hot buttered rum batter (see instructions below)
• Hot water
• Cinnamon stick, grated nutmeg, or a cinnamon sugar rim for garnish (optional)

Hot Buttered Rum Batter:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• A pinch of ground cloves
• A pinch of salt

Instructions for the Batter:

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, a pinch of ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

• The batter can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It will last for a couple of weeks, so you can enjoy Hot Buttered Rum multiple times.

Instructions for the Hot Buttered Rum:

1. Prepare Your Glass: Start by taking a heat proof mug or glass. If you like, you can rim the glass with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar by wetting the rim and dipping it into the cinnamon sugar.
2. Add Hot Buttered Rum Batter: Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the prepared hot buttered rum batter to the bottom of the glass.
3. Add Rum: Pour 2 oz of dark rum over the batter in the glass.
4. Top with Hot Water: Fill the glass with hot water, leaving a little space at the top. The amount of hot water can vary depending on your taste, but typically it’s about 4-6 ounces.

4. Stir Well: Use a spoon or a stirring rod to thoroughly mix the ingredients. This helps to dissolve the butter and create a creamy, spiced concoction.
5. Garnish: If you like, garnish your Hot Buttered Rum with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of grated nutmeg.

Spiked Hot Chocolate

Fall is the season of indulgence, and what’s more indulgent than Spiked Hot Chocolate? Start with your favorite hot cocoa mix, add a dash of a flavored liqueur like peppermint schnapps, Irish cream, or hazelnut liqueur. Don’t forget the whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon for an extra touch of decadence.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz of your favorite liquor (options: Peppermint Schnapps, Irish Cream, or Hazelnut Liqueur)
• 1 cup of hot chocolate (pre-made or from your preferred hot chocolate mix)
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Hot Chocolate: Start by preparing your hot chocolate. You can use your favorite hot chocolate mix and prepare it according to the package instructions. Alternatively, you can heat milk or water and whisk in your preferred cocoa powder and sugar to taste. Make sure it’s piping hot.
2. Choose Your Liquor: Select your preferred liquor for spiking the hot chocolate. Popular choices include Peppermint Schnapps for a minty twist, Irish Cream for a creamy and slightly sweet addition, or Hazelnut Liqueur for a nutty flavor. Measure out 2 oz of your chosen liquor.
3. Combine: In your serving mug, pour the 2 oz of liquor. Then, pour the hot chocolate over the liquor. Stir to combine and mix the flavors.
4. Garnish: Top your Spiked Hot Chocolate with a generous dollop of whipped cream. If you like, you can also sprinkle some chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top.

Autumn Sangria

Who says sangria is just for summer? An Autumn Sangria combines red wine, apple cider, seasonal fruits like apples and pears, and a touch of brandy. It’s a fruity and warming concoction that celebrates the bounties of the fall harvest.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (such as a Spanish Tempranillo or a red blend)
• 1 cup apple cider
• ¼ cup brandy
• ¼ cup orange liqueur
• 2 apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 pear, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 star anise pods (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons of honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• Ice cubes
• Sparkling water or club soda (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher or serving bowl, combine the red wine, apple cider, brandy, and orange liqueur. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of honey and stir until it dissolves.
2. Add Fruits and Spices: Add the sliced apples, pear, orange slices, cinnamon stick, and star anise pods (if using) to the pitcher. These fruits and spices will infuse the sangria with the flavors of fall.
3. Chill: Cover the pitcher or bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the sangria to chill and the flavors to meld for at least 2-3 hours or, ideally, overnight. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will develop.
4. Serve: When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the Autumn Sangria over the ice, making sure to include some fruit slices in each glass. If you like, you can top off each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a bit of fizz and extra refreshment.
5. Garnish: For added visual appeal, you can garnish each glass with an apple or orange slice and an extra cinnamon stick.
6. Enjoy: Autumn Sangria is perfect for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply sipping by the fire on a crisp fall evening.

Harvest Margarita

Margaritas don’t have to be reserved for the beach – they can be adapted to suit any season, including fall. The Harvest Margarita is a delightful fusion of tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh pomegranate juice. The deep red hue and tangy flavors make it a perfect choice for fall festivities.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
• 1 oz orange liqueur (e.g., Triple Sec or Cointreau)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
• Ice
• Pomegranate seeds or lime wheel for garnish (optional)
• Salt or sugar (for rimming, optional)

Instructions:

1. Rim the Glass (Optional): If you’d like to rim the glass with salt or sugar, take a lime wedge and run it around the outer rim of your margarita glass. Dip the wet rim into a plate filled with salt or sugar to coat it. This step is optional but adds a nice touch.
2. Prepare Your Cocktail Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. This will help chill the cocktail and mix the ingredients properly.
3. Add the Ingredients: To the shaker, add the following ingredients:
   • 2 oz tequila
   • 1 oz orange liqueur
   • 1 oz fresh lime juice1 oz pomegranate juice
     • ½ oz simple syrup
4. Shake It Up: Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This will mix the ingredients thoroughly and chill the cocktail.
5. Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into your prepared margarita glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish: If you like, garnish your Harvest Margarita with a few pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and flavor. A lime wheel is another great garnish option.

At Spec’s, we take pride in being your go-to destination for all things spirited and celebratory. Fall is a season that inspires warmth, togetherness, and a desire to create wonderful memories. Our selection of liquors and liqueurs provides you with the perfect tools to craft these eight must-try fall cocktails.

So, whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering with friends, enjoying a quiet evening by the fireplace, or simply savoring the sights and flavors of autumn, we invite you to explore the rich palette of fall cocktails. The changing seasons bring new opportunities to experiment and create delightful libations that capture the essence of this beautiful time of year. Cheers to fall and all the extraordinary cocktails it brings!